Befriending Fear

That quote is me. My name is Ali and I am 27 years old. I have done some exciting and unique things over the course of my life, but when it comes to committing to a task, goal, or even a relationship I have always settled for mediocrity due to a paralyzing fear of failure.

What is it about living an “average” life that gives us a sense of comfort and stability? It must be that when we play it safe we protect ourselves from being exposed and vulnerable. Living a life of mediocrity is essentially effortless. There is no risk on the sidelines, and blending in with everyone else is much easier than stepping out and seeking adventure. Maybe you know all of these things already and maybe you are content with your mediocre life, but what you need to know is that this lifestyle is toxic and a waste of precious time. And more importantly, a waste of your potential impact.

One year ago yesterday a very dear friend of mine tragically ended his own life. Although I don’t blame myself for what happened, I know many people in his life (myself included) have played the “What if” game.

“What if I would have called him back after he texted me?”

“What if I wouldn’t have let myself become so frustrated with him?”

“What if I would have told him how much he meant to me?”

Regardless of what the circumstances are of your current situation, questions like these will tear you apart, and hold you down more than they will ever pick you up out of the darkness you are going through. Because I cannot go back in time and do things differently, I have a choice to make in respect to where I go from here. Will I be content if I continue to live with a drive that is lukewarm and halfhearted emotions? Or, will I pursue new chapters, tasks, and relationships in life with a heart of passion?

I want to get lost in the pursuit of my dreams; a good type of lost. Which is why I am an advocate for passion. I anticipate that tears will be shed, hearts will be broken, and failure will be faced head on. There will be times that I will reflect on my old, mediocre life and wish I never would have left that simple place, but instead I will persevere because I believe dreams and people are two things worth putting your fears on the line for. With a passionate heart, I will win some and I will lose some, but above all else, my hope is to impact some.

Today, I would like to encourage you to take one step in the direction of your greatest fear.

One step toward

furthering your education,

battling your addiction,

talking to someone about your depression,

pursuing a new career path,

confronting your eating disorder,

facing whatever it is that scares you most,

because addressing that one crippling fear will be your launchpad to future success. We need to raise o

ur expectations for ourselves because everyone in this world has potential that far exceeds the mediocrity we have settled for.

Start now. Start today. And, if you don’t know where to start, then start with us. We would love to hear your story, encourage you, be

part of the dreams you plan to achieve and hear about the fears you have left in the dust. Email us at mystory@mntc.org